Step 1: Understand What a Metaphor Is

Watch the TEDTalk video by Jane Hirshfield – The Art of Metaphor. This will:

Help you grasp how metaphors link abstract ideas with real-world imagery.
Show how metaphors reveal unseen dimensions of organisations.

TEDTalk Link

Step 2: Create Your Own Metaphor

You are required to invent a completely new metaphor to understand organisations in the 21st century.

& Do NOT use existing metaphors from Gareth Morgan’s book like “organisation as

machine,” “brain,” “culture,” etc.

Ask Yourself:

What everyday object, idea, or experience reminds you of how organisations behave today?
Can you compare an organisation to a musical orchestra, beehive, solar system, river, or ecosystem?

0 Tip: Use something unique that reflects complexity, adaptation, growth, or struggle- characteristics of today’s organisations.

Step 3: Design the I-Page Digital Visual Collage

This collage should be created in Microsoft Word and:

• Visually represents your metaphor using pictures, photos, emojis, keywords, and short phrases.

Communicates the core message of your metaphor without needing lengthy explanations.

Q Be creative but keep it relevant and professional.

Step 4: Write the Explanation (2000-2500 words)

Structure your essay as follows:

1. Introduction (Approx. 200-300 words)

Briefly explain what a metaphor is and its importance in understanding organisational behaviour.
- Mention your created metaphor and give a teaser of what it represents.

2. Explain Your Metaphor (Approx. 600-800 words)

Describe your metaphor in detail.
- Link each element of your metaphor to aspects of an organisation.
  - E.g., “If an organisation is like a jungle, then the CEO is the apex predator, the HR department is the water source… “

Use rich, descriptive language and ensure clarity in your comparison.

3. Application to ODD (Organisation Design and Development) (Approx. 500-700 words)

Discuss:
- How your metaphor can help understand organisational structure, culture, change, or growth.
- How an organisation described by your metaphor would handle change,

especially in the 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution).

Why your metaphor suits today’s fast-changing, uncertain work environment.

Include references from:

Morgan (2006) – Images of Organisation
- Veldsman (2019)-Designing Fit-for-Purpose Organisations
- Other prescribed readings

4. Strengths and Limitations of Your Metaphor (Approx. 400-500 words)

Analyse how well your metaphor explains different organisational elements.
- Point out any potential flaws or areas where your metaphor may oversimplify or

misrepresent.

5. Conclusion (Approx. 200-300 words)

Reiterate the value of using metaphors.
- Summarise how your metaphor brings insight into understanding organisations.
- Reflect on how this process shaped your perspective as an HR student/professional.

Step 5: Use Quality Academic Sources

Minimum 13 academic references required.
- Sources must include module textbooks and journal articles.
- Use APA 7th Edition referencing throughout (in-text and reference list).

Expert Answers on Above Questions on Metaphors

What a Metaphor is

An analysis of the concept of metaphor indicates that it is a figure of speech that allows for comparison of two unrelated things in order to explain a concept. The use of metaphor in organisations can be identified from the help us understand complex structures or behaviours by associating them with familiar ideas. They are therefore useful in revealing hidden dynamics, encouraging creative thinking and providing new ways of understanding structure, culture and change.

Creating my own metaphor

The everyday object that reminds me of how organisations behave is the smartphone. Organisations are similar to that of a smartphone whereby they operate as interconnected systems, and several departments work together similar to that of a central operating system in a smartphone. Smartphones regularly update and businesses also adapt to their changing external and internal environment conditions, and need regular charging similar to that of regular motivation of employees.

Disclaimer: This answer is a model for study and reference purposes only. Please do not submit it as your own work.